Deeside castle hosts unusual sales pitch

Crathes Castle: Summer weddings are popular, but it is also beautiful by moonlight

Published:11:32Friday 20 November 2015

Share this article

Engaged couples have the opportunity to see what their wedding at Crathes Castle might look like, with some casual, interactive theatre.

Though not strictly a performance, the castle will be dressed for a wedding ceremony and evening reception, with a couple of people acting as the bride and groom.

Madeline Ward, hospitality manager at Crathes Castle, said: “This is the first event of its kind at Crathes Castle. Summer weddings are very popular but Crathes looks beautiful in the moonlight, and we want couples to see that.”

There will be two locals acting as the bride and groom in the great hall, while sample canopes and glasses of champagne do the rounds.

Live music will be provided courtesy of Pipe Major Julie Brinklow of Thistle Piper and talented young harpist Rachel Groves.

“The idea came from attending more formal occassions,” explained Madeline. “We looked at what works with some people and what works with other people, and taking away the pressure of the hard sell.

“It’s really just to create a different atmosphere and to show couples that we can tailor the day for them - our weddings aren’t a fixed design.”

Their new reception venue, ‘The Horsemill’, will be dressed top-to-toe for an evening reception - with added atmosphere provided by a wedding-themed soundtrack. Here guests are encouraged to chat with the Crathes team about ideas for their special day.

There’s no schedule over the evening, which runs from 5.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, November 25.

At the time of going to print, the role of the bride was filled, but Madeline was still looking for a groom.